Mediator not needed as tribes, state continue water talks

The Ada News

Feb 19, 2013

ADA — The Chickasaw Nation and Choctaw Nation, in agreement with the state of Oklahoma, have released the court-ordered mediator from further duties and will negotiate southeastern Oklahoma water rights themselves, court documents released today show.

“We agree that continuing efforts to resolve this matter through negotiation is the best course of action. We believe that further negotiations may to lead to more progress toward an agreement that is fair and beneficial to everyone concerned.”

The tribes filed suit in federal court in August 2011 to halt water transfers out of Sardis Lake, located in southeastern Oklahoma in Pushmataha and Latimer counties. Federal District Judge Lee West ordered mediation between the factions in May. The mediator — renowned water negotiator and mediator Francis McGovern — was agreed upon by all parties involved in the suit.

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